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| Employer | University of Southern Mississippi |
| Location | Hattiesburg, MS USA |
| Posted | January 10, 2026 |
Job Details
Major Gift Officer
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references when applying for this position.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job Summary
The Major Gift Officer develops charitable support for the University through the USM Foundation. This position identifies prospects, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors to raise major gifts of $25,000 or more in support of University objectives while meeting defined visit and solicitation goals and working closely with the Chief Development Officer, deans, faculty, staff, volunteers and other key stakeholders to achieve those goals by working autonomously towards goals set in consultation with supervisors.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
+ Identifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards alumni and other donors to include development and implementation of prospect strategy, preparation of written materials, direct solicitation, and, if appropriate, solicitation in tandem with others. Develops and executes effective cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies. Engages deans, University faculty and staff, and others in advancement efforts, as required. Stewards relationships with existing donors.
+ Maintains records of visits, solicitations, and cultivation statuses in accordance with system requirements and Foundation protocols. Records detailed interaction of all visits and prospect management including proposals to prospects and gifts donated to the Foundation .
+ Independently and successfully manages a portfolio of prospective donors. Works with Research team to identify new prospects for major and planned gifts to build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospects. Ensures all assigned prospects are managed effectively and adjusts strategy as needed.
+ Meets defined visit, solicitation and gift closure goals. Exercises and promotes good judgment, discretion in interactions and application of ethics related to development activities.
+ Manages an expense budget to optimize utilization of resources to achieve stated goals. Plans and implements personal travel, as necessary. Completes expense submittals on a timely basis.
+ Mentors Development Officers in their continued development and professional growth. Assists the Chief Development Officer in the training and guidance of new Development Officers.
+ Performs other duties as assigned.
Please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references when applying for this position.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job Summary
The Major Gift Officer develops charitable support for the University through the USM Foundation. This position identifies prospects, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors to raise major gifts of $25,000 or more in support of University objectives while meeting defined visit and solicitation goals and working closely with the Chief Development Officer, deans, faculty, staff, volunteers and other key stakeholders to achieve those goals by working autonomously towards goals set in consultation with supervisors.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
+ Identifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards alumni and other donors to include development and implementation of prospect strategy, preparation of written materials, direct solicitation, and, if appropriate, solicitation in tandem with others. Develops and executes effective cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies. Engages deans, University faculty and staff, and others in advancement efforts, as required. Stewards relationships with existing donors.
+ Maintains records of visits, solicitations, and cultivation statuses in accordance with system requirements and Foundation protocols. Records detailed interaction of all visits and prospect management including proposals to prospects and gifts donated to the Foundation .
+ Independently and successfully manages a portfolio of prospective donors. Works with Research team to identify new prospects for major and planned gifts to build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospects. Ensures all assigned prospects are managed effectively and adjusts strategy as needed.
+ Meets defined visit, solicitation and gift closure goals. Exercises and promotes good judgment, discretion in interactions and application of ethics related to development activities.
+ Manages an expense budget to optimize utilization of resources to achieve stated goals. Plans and implements personal travel, as necessary. Completes expense submittals on a timely basis.
+ Mentors Development Officers in their continued development and professional growth. Assists the Chief Development Officer in the training and guidance of new Development Officers.
+ Performs other duties as assigned.
Job #NLX286320039